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Hooray! The website is finally up along with the list of classes! Go to: http://www.ptg.org/conv/2009Many will be interested to see the following:

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All Day Voicing Seminar with Andre Oorebeek, Concert Piano Service, the NetherlandsThis 4-period class starts with raw Renner/Wurzen felt hammers on new shanks. Discusses felt production, action friction, shaping the new hammers, complete voicing, and concert preparation. This class was top-rated at the Canadian Assoc. of Piano Technicians Seminar in July 2008. Learn the complete story!

Originally posted by rysowers:"Many will be interested to see the following:All Day Voicing Seminar with Andre Oorebeek, Concert Piano Service, the NetherlandsThis 4-period class starts with raw Renner/Wurzen felt hammers on new shanks. Discusses felt production, action friction, shaping the new hammers, complete voicing, and concert preparation. This class was top-rated at the Canadian Assoc. of Piano Technicians Seminar in July 2008. Learn the complete story!"[/b]

This class is planned for all day Thursday. Why sit in one class for a whole day, you may ask...

Well, we had Andre here for 1-1/2 days and it was amazing. I must have sat through a good dozen of voicing seminars, and a week later, in front of a piano, I was still scratching my head, wondering what to do...

Fact is, there are many, many different approaches and techniques in voicing that can lead to good and predictable results. But only if the whole picture is understood and the technique is followed through from start to finish.

This is probably why I never came away from these seminars, some given by top techs, with as much insight as I had hoped. A two hour seminar is simply too short to get a grasp of the larger picture.

The full day seminar is a great way to go - we will get to see a complete voicing, from start to finish, from the lowest at bass through to the top treble, with all the steps and stages in between. Andre`s seminar will be an eye opener for anyone, even advanced voicers.

When his work was finished at the piano he did for us in Vancouver, I dont think anyone present had ever heard a Yamaha sound so rich and round and powerful.

Yes, extremely fast, very precise and with a high degree of continuity. He would be adjusting the rep springs at a breakneck speed, zip, zip, zip, all the while explaining to us how and where and why etc... It was really something to experience...

Acquiring these skills is very conducive to making a decent living in this business...

Here is an example of one of the great learning opportunities at this year's convention: A chance to study regulating with Rick Baldassin and other top notch techs from around the country!:

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Are You Regulationally Challenged? with Rick Baldassin, RPT, Renner, USA, Richard Davenport, RPT, Los Angeles Chapter, Michael Spreeman, RPT, Ravenscroft Pianos and Carl Teel, Renner USA[/b]When trying to remedy an action that does not function properly, a timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial. Ten action models will be prepared to malfunction in a variety of ways. In the first period, class members in small groups will analyze and propose solutions to these problems. In the second period, the proper diagnosis for each model will then be shown, and the model restored to proper function. This format allows plenty of time to discuss function of the principles of grand regulation that relate to each problem. Class limit 30. You must pre-register for this class.

Well, I just talked with Sandy. Have my reservations confirmed for all "special classes" for my son along with a tuning tutoring class for him as well. HAH, beat you all! I'm good to go!!!

Better call home office and confirm your regulation classes if you reserved times because Sandy said the vertical regulation class was changed to a different day. I suggested they change the other from Thursday to another day because everyone I know is attending the voicing class but, she didn't think they were planning on doing that... Just so you know...

I am very interested in some of the classes, but how do I know if I am accepted if there are class size limits? Are most classes just "look and listen" types or are there hands on classes. I would be very unhappy if I arrived there and found out that the classes are full or told they were full and then charged a fee to cancel my registration. I contacted their website through their email address a week ago and never have had a reply. I only can attend for two days and the Thursday and Friday classes are the main reason I want to attend.

Originally posted by dherbon: I am very interested in some of the classes, but how do I know if I am accepted if there are class size limits? Are most classes just "look and listen" types or are there hands on classes. I would be very unhappy if I arrived there and found out that the classes are full or told they were full and then charged a fee to cancel my registration. I contacted their website through their email address a week ago and never have had a reply. I only can attend for two days and the Thursday and Friday classes are the main reason I want to attend. [/b]

dherbon,

I just submitted your question to the rest of the committee. I'll post the answer when I hear back. Good question, by the way!

Race the clock! Registration starts February 1.Go to www.ptg.org/conv/2009 to register online or download a registration form. Register NOW to get the best rate and ensure your spot on the starting line. Watch your mail for the 2009 brochure. Coming Soon!

Strengthen your skills!Go to www.ptg.org/conv/institute and search the class database by instructor, day, time, topic, or level of instruction. Create a plan that is unique to your “fitness” goals.

Cool down in comfort!Make your hotel reservations NOW. Reservations can only be made by calling the historic Amway Grand Plaza at 800-253-3590 or 616-776-6450. Use code 1000LT to get the PTG discounted rate. Online registration is not available this year but plenty of rooms are available! Special PTG rates are only guaranteed through June 10. Visit www.ptg.org/conv/2009/lodging to learn more about the Amway Grand, parking and transportation.

Stretch your dollars!Can One Class Pay For Convention? [/b] I often hear technicians say they can’t afford to attend the annual PTG Institute. Sorry, but that’s comparable to being a fitness “couch potato,” especially to those new to this industry. The truth is that attending the Institute will enable you to make more money. How?

I had been a technician for about five years when I attended an Institute with the sole purpose of improving my aural tuning skills. I attended almost every aural tuning class offered. Did my tuning skills improve? Certainly, but that was not what caused an increase in my income. What caused the increase? During classes, I noticed motions and techniques instructors were using that I was not using. By applying what I saw, within three months my tuning time was lessened by 20 minutes. My tunings were better and completed in less time.

Let’s see – 20 minutes times 600 tunings per year equals $12,000 PER YEAR! Did that institute pay for itself? Many, many times over! And that was income for just one year. That one Institute alone has paid for all the Institutes held for the rest of my life.

That year, I was still building my business and income was quite tight. What if I had said, “I just can’t afford to attend this year?” I would likely still be saying it.

What's your financial fitness plan? The theme this year is “Excellence Begins with the Basics” but that doesn’t mean that the experienced technician won’t be challenged at this year’s institute. Learn excellence from many of the best in our industry and you will reap the benefits for the rest of your career.

Online registration starts February 1! Visit www.ptg.org/conv/2009 or watch your mail for the convention brochure. We will have many NEW classes, the return of the popular skills stations, multi-session classes, mini-techs, and more of what you need for your continued professional development. Some have limited class sizes and fill up fast, so register NOW!

Originally posted by dherbon: I am very interested in some of the classes, but how do I know if I am accepted if there are class size limits? Are most classes just "look and listen" types or are there hands on classes. I would be very unhappy if I arrived there and found out that the classes are full or told they were full and then charged a fee to cancel my registration. I contacted their website through their email address a week ago and never have had a reply. I only can attend for two days and the Thursday and Friday classes are the main reason I want to attend. [/b]

The class size limits are listed on the online registration form.

If you are registering online, when any of the classes fill up, they will show up as FULL on the website registration.If it is a mail-in, we can add them to a waiting list. We will refund their money if they don't get in, or not charge their card, depending on how they pay. Of course this is just for the extra fee for the skills session not convention registration.

So the main thing is if you're interested in these classes Register early![/b]

Hello all, this may be as good a place as any to formally introduce myself, though I have been reading this forum for the past 6 months.

My name is Jon, I'm from Milwaukee, WI and I think that's where I may start up my business in the near future. I'm going through the Chicago School of Piano Technology first year course as we speak. And yes, I have a thread-relevant question.

This will be my first national convention, and because of budget concerns, I might only attend using the weekend pass. Most of the institute classes do not have date/time designations. I'm wondering if there is a place on the convention website that lists dates/times for these courses that I have missed, or if they are held everyday of the convention? The answer will greatly affect my decision of attending only the weekend or shelling out the dough for the whole week.

Thanks again guys, I've gathered some great tips/advise thus far in my short residency on this forum, and I appreciate all the help I can get. I hope to meet some of you pros in G.R. in July!

Me to...got an airline ticket. It would take me 36 hours to get to GR by train. Heck I bet I could make it faster by bus, but I swore those off years ago. So on a wing and a prayer, GR here I come. Jerry Groot, put a fresh coat of piant on the doghouse!!!

I'm thinking next year for the exams, Ron. Maybe get two done before and try for the foundation scholarship!! Then, God willing and the Creek don't rise, the next year, I'll get free registration as a "fresh RPT"!! Two years of "free" convention!!

Since I will be taking vacation time from my 'other' job, I'm gonna consider the 30-hour (each way) trip "vacation" (yes...the Texas Eagle has a "bar-car"...LOL!!).

_________________________
PTG Associate Member

"There is always room above; there is only the ground below."....F.E. Morton (with props to Del F.)